THE SECRET POLICEMAN

Welcome to the Theatre Department

The Theatre Department at Washburn University offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree Program and versatile, challenging productions.

Mission

Consistent with the mission of the University and the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Theatre is dedicated to providing students with a strong foundation in Theatre based on mastering basic concepts of dramatic literature, performance, history, design and criticism as well as the technical skills to produce theatre. Studying Theatre at Washburn is theoretical, practical and experiential. Public performances are offered by the department in the Andrew J. and Georgia Neese Gray Theatre throughout the year, affording students experience in Theatre practice. As one of the University’s “public faces,” the University Theatre is a cultural resource provided to the citizens of Washburn and the Topeka community.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a major in Theatre are expected to have acquired skills in each of three areas:

PERFORMANCE

THEATRE DESIGN and TECHNOLOGY

THEATRE LITERATURE and HISTORY.

Upon graduation theatre students are expected to have:

Demonstrated acquired skills in speaking and performance for the stage.

Demonstrated acquired conceptual skills in the visual aesthetics of theatre design, as well as an ability to execute those skills on the stage.

Demonstrated an ability to read and analyze dramatic texts and to respond critically to theatre performances.

WET INK

What's an Ichabod?

Washburn's mascot, the Ichabod, honors the school's early benefactor, Ichabod Washburn, a 19th century Massachusetts industrialist. The original design of the studious-looking, tuxedo-clad figure was created in 1938 by Bradbury Thompson (ba '34), who became an internationally acclaimed graphic artist. Design wasn't Thompson's only consideration. To the stylized Ichabod the artist attributed the qualities of "...courage and enthusiasm, as shown by his brisk walk. He is democratic and courteous, for he tips his hat as he passes. Sincere in his search for truth and knowledge, he studiously carries a book under his arm..."